Pipe repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pipe repair is

Pipe repair fixes a water supply line that is leaking, split or corroded, either by patching it, replacing a short section, or rerouting the damaged run. People call when a wall stays damp, water pressure drops, or a pipe bursts.

Signs you need it

  • Damp drywall, bubbling paint or a warm spot in the floor that does not go away
  • The water meter moves when every fixture is off, which points to a leak in the supply pipe
  • White or green crust on copper fittings, or brown water from one line only
  • A pinhole leak in copper or a crack or bulge in a PEX line
  • Water pressure drops at several fixtures at once, which can mean a split pipe upstream

What the pro does

  • Find the leak by checking joints, bends, valve connections and any pipe near the water heater
  • Shut off the water to the section and drain the line so the cut is dry
  • Cut out the damaged section and check the pipe ends for wall thinning and corrosion
  • Install the new section with the right fitting for the material: sweat joints for copper, crimp or expansion fittings for PEX, and a dielectric union where copper meets galvanized
  • Pressure test the repaired section before any wall is closed
  • Patch the access opening and check for drips after the water is turned back on

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Pipe material: copper, PEX, galvanized and CPVC each need different tools and fittings
  • Location: a line behind a finished wall or under a slab takes more opening than an exposed line
  • Length of pipe that has to be replaced, compared with a simple patch
  • Number of joints and fittings, including bends and valves in the run
  • Whether the line feeds a single fixture, the water heater or the whole house
  • Finish work such as drywall, tile, flooring or cabinet removal

What a written quote should spell out

  • Location of the leak and the pipe material being repaired
  • Length and route of the new section, and the fittings used at each joint
  • Whether the whole run or only the failed section is replaced, and why
  • Pressure test method and the result
  • Who restores finished surfaces, and the size and location of the access opening

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What pipe material is this, and do you have the tools and fittings for it?
  • Will you replace the whole run or only the failed section, and what would make you recommend the whole run?
  • Do you pressure test the new section before closing the wall?
  • If galvanized pipe is found, will you recommend replacing the rest of that run?
  • Where will the access hole be, and who repairs the drywall or tile?
  • Will the rest of the house lose water while the repair is done, and for how long?

Red flags

  • Pro who uses push-fit or tape on a pipe that is failing across the run, with no plan for the rest
  • Pro who opens more wall than the repair needs and does not explain why
  • Pro who closes the wall before a pressure test
  • Pro who joins galvanized to copper with no dielectric union or transition fitting

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can shut off the water to a fixture and tighten a loose compression fitting, or replace a supply line that leaks at its connection. Call a pro for any leak inside a wall or under a slab, or any leak on a line that feeds the whole house, since a pipe that is not fully supported and tested can fail again in a worse place.

Licenses and permits

Water supply pipe repair is commonly done by licensed plumbers, and many areas require a license for work on supply lines. Some repairs also need a permit, so check with your state or local licensing agency for the rules that apply to your job.

Pipe repair questions

Can a leaking copper pipe be patched?

A single pinhole can sometimes be sealed, but a pipe that has pitted across the run or has several leaks is better replaced in sections. Ask the pro why they chose a patch or a section replacement.

How long should a pipe repair last?

A properly soldered copper joint or a crimped PEX fitting should last for years. A repair that fails soon after often means the cause, such as high pressure or water chemistry, was never addressed.

Is PEX a good replacement for copper?

PEX is common for repairs because it is flexible and has fewer joints, but it is sensitive to sunlight and needs the right fittings and support. The pro should be able to explain their choice for your line.

Will I lose water while the pipe is fixed?

You usually lose water at the affected section while it is repaired. Ask how long the shutoff will last and whether other fixtures will be affected.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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